Have you ever come across an object and wondered what its purpose was? You’re not alone. Many people have encountered bewildering items that left them scratching their heads. Let’s take a look at the top 20 mysterious objects and uncover their answers.
20. Brass Brooch
One person stumbled upon a brass brooch with a hidden spring that opened like a clothespin. They couldn’t figure out its use, so they turned to the online community for help. It turns out that the brooch is used to hold a boutonniere or corsage. Mystery solved!
19. Suspended Glass Ball in Metal Frame
At first glance, a delicate glass ball suspended in a gold metal frame looked like a decorative piece. However, it serves a greater purpose. It’s a Campbell-Strokes sunshine recorder. By focusing sunlight, it burns a track on a strip of card, indicating the brightness of the sunlight.
18. Round Wooden Stick
A photo of a long cylindrical wooden stick with varying thickness puzzled the Reddit community. After much deliberation, it was discovered that the stick is used with a Singing Bell to create vibrations. Simply rubbing the stick around the bell’s edge produces a beautiful sound.
17. Scoopy Doodad
One Reddit user found a light metal object and had no idea what it was for. After receiving a few comments from equally confused people, someone identified it as a Sunbeam Mixmaster attachment used to pour juice.
16. Heavy Glass with Bubbles
A heavy glass structure with decorative bubbles and the inscription of the date 1978 left a Reddit user perplexed. The mystery was solved when someone revealed that it’s actually a paperweight, keeping papers from flying off a desk.
15. Vase with Metal Grills
This glass vase with metal grills inside was mistaken for a decorative piece. Turns out, it is indeed a vase used for arranging flowers. Many people have found similar vases at their grandmothers’ homes.
14. Mini Blue Disc
A small blue disc found inside a bag of sour cream crisps had a cryptic inscription. It was later identified as a testing chip used to check the functionality of metal detectors.
13. Little Magnets
An item with small magnets inside forced together against their natural magnetic pull caught the curiosity of a Reddit user. It was eventually revealed to be a shoplifter’s tag remover used in the retail industry.
12. Retractable Metal Bracelet
A metal circle that could retract into a bracelet had one person scratching their head. It turns out that it’s a decorative item used on top of a purse or mini handbag.
11. Metal Circle
A small white tong with a metal circle at its center left a Redditor puzzled. This device is actually used to remove corn kernels from corn on the cob. Squeezing it makes the hole smaller, allowing it to cut through the corn.
10. Long Twisted Metal
A long, twisted, heavy metal object found in a basement was described as a “scary wand.” Surprisingly, it was identified as a soldering iron, a tool used for joining metal objects.
9. Metal Spring with Plastic Ends
A 20 cm-long metal spring with plastic ends was a mystery to one Reddit user. It was revealed to be a facial hair remover, plucking small hairs similar to tweezers.
8. A Diamond-Shaped Metal Object
A metal object found in a grandmother’s house had no apparent use. It was later confirmed to be a flour duster, used for sprinkling flour or powdered sugar onto surfaces or baked goods.
7. A Screw-Like Glass Object
A glass object threaded like a screw and found near an electrically powered sign was identified as a neon light support. It’s used to secure neon lighting fixtures.
6. A Mushroom-Shaped Glass Ornament
A mushroom-shaped glass ornament found at Goodwill intrigued one Reddit user. While its exact purpose was unclear, it was suggested that it could be used as a decorative item in a garden.
5. A Padded Satin Item
A padded satin object with ribbon ties and a hole in the middle puzzled someone who wondered if it was a case for a beauty item. It turns out that it’s actually a hanger cover, preventing light items from slipping off wooden hangers.
4. A Strapped Leather Object
A black leather object that could be strapped at the back of one’s hand had its purpose unknown. It was revealed to be a self-defense item called a Blackjack, but remember to check local laws before using or carrying it.
3. A Pyramid-Shaped Glass Object
Two pyramid-shaped glass objects confused someone who found them while helping their dad move. They turned out to be oil candles, creating a beautiful ambient light when lit.
2. A Crown-Shaped Metal
For years, someone had a crown-shaped metal without knowing its purpose. It was eventually discovered to be a spoon holder that sits on the edge of a bowl. Finally, the mystery was solved!
1. A Vintage Ceramic Container with a Cork Inside
A vintage ceramic piece with a cork inside, possibly from Yokohama Railroad Station, left someone wondering about its origin. It was revealed to be a soy sauce container called a “Hyo-chan,” a unique collector’s item.
The internet has made it easier than ever to find answers to our questions and unravel the mysteries behind objects. Though the purpose of these items may have remained unknown for some time, the power of online communities has helped shed light on the enigmatic world of everyday objects.
Did you ever find yourself puzzled by an object’s purpose? Share your stories and mysteries in the comments below!